France Does A DRM Backdown?

A French Senate committee has removed wording from proposed legislation that would have forced technology companies to license their digital rights management schemes, according to the Web site of The Inquirer.

Apple, which did not return repeated phone calls, and other DRM holders doing business in France, are likely elated. While the law must still be voted on, the alterations in the legislation signify willingness by some in the French government to honor the rights of companies that don’t wish to share their technology with competitors. Senate debate on the bill begins Thursday.

The watering down of the legislation has angered some French consumer groups.